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Providers of First Resort

2010 UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs

2 UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs ● Agenda

Message from the High Commissioner to the 2010 Annual Consultations with NGOs

The Inter-Agency Unit would like to thank the many colleagues who have contributed to the preparation of these consultations. We would especially like to thank the speakers and moderators of the sessions, including Misikir Tilahun for his role as the Rapporteur of the Annual Consultations with NGOs and the Rapporteur of UNHCR’s Executive Committee, Melissa Pitotti, for attending.

LLOW ME TO EXTEND A WARM WELCOME to all of you to these annual consultations with UNHCR’s partners. These are the fifth consultations I have

had the privilege to be involved in. I do not exaggerate in describing them as among the most thoughtful events of the year, focusing as they invariably do on better meeting the needs of those we care for.

This year’s theme of “National Partnerships” could not be more timely. With the approaching anniversaries of UNHCR as an office, the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and others, we have been reflecting deeply on who we are, where we have come from and where we are going.

The increasing interaction of the world’s dominant trends --population growth, urbanization, climate change and food, water and energy insecurity-- is producing new and more complex forms of forced displacement. There were already gaps in our response and these can only grow if we fail to develop stronger and more innovative partnerships.

We will need to encourage all forms of partnership but especially national ones. Already we rely heavily on national partnerships in the response to refugees and internally displaced people. In some insecure environments, we are only able to be present through the courage of the staff of national partners. In other environments, the needed expertise or resources may only be available through national partners.

Our growing reliance on partners is evident in the numbers. In 2009, implementing partners accounted for 35.9% (or more than USD 629 million) of total UNHCR expenditure, up from 31.5% of a much lower overall expenditure in 2006 (or just over USD 347 million). NGOs represent 75 percent of that expenditure, which amount to USD 478 million. The share of national NGO expenditure as a proportion of total NGO expenditure has increased steadily to nearly 44 percent in 2009, which represents more than USD 209 million.

A

Agenda UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs 3

It is often at the local level that problems are most acutely felt and where solutions must be found. Local partners are not merely implementers of UNHCR’s programmes. They are full partners and are frequently better placed to design, develop and implement programmes specifically adapted to the needs of the population being cared for.

Especially in the initial response to a forced displacement crisis, it is the local population and civil society organizations who provide help. International organizations such as UNHCR and its international NGO partners need more fully to support this vital first line of response. With the amalgamation of emergency, supply and security functions into a single Division (DESS), UNHCR believes it is better positioned to do this.

Going forward, we need to ensure our partnerships are more and more strategic, anticipating and responding to the new forms of displacement. I see three areas in particular where we will need to forge or reinforce our partnerships.

While most refugees already now live in urban areas, our protection and assistance approach has not kept pace. A more effective response will require new partnerships, particularly with municipal authorities, and increased reliance upon the ingenuity of effectiveness of NGOs.

Second, and increasingly destined to urban areas themselves, we need to strengthen our response to the refugees and migrants constituting the so-called “mixed” flows. Assuring respect for the dignity of every one in such movements is a human rights

imperative but one extending beyond UNHCR’s specific mandate. Cooperation among key partners is the very first of the ten points in UNHCR’s framework of response.

Third, with conflict proving more and more resilient, solutions are becoming harder to find. Voluntary repatriation in 2009 was the lowest in twenty years, with just over 250,000 refugees returning home – less than a quarter of the number in 2005. Inevitably, this means refugees will be refugees for longer periods of time. We must strengthen partnerships delivering education and other vital life skills so every refugee can say, in the words of this year’s World Refugee Day theme, “you can take away my home but you can’t take away my future.”

The annual consultations have been formatted to allow us to examine these and other issues together. I look forward very much to what I am sure will be engaging and productive discussions.

António Guterres


Annual Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations 29 – 30 June 2010 | International Conference Center Geneva, Switzerland 1 July 2010 | Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland Agenda at a Glance |

Tuesday 29 June 2010 | International Conference Center ICCG

ROOM 11:00 – 13:00 WELCOME AND OPENING ADDRESS | ACCUEIL ET DISCOURS D’OUVERTURE ....................2 (interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish)

Alexander ALEINIKOFF, Deputy High Commissioner Erika FELLER, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Mamadou NDIAYE, Office africain pour le développement et la coopération Daisy DELL, Director, Division of External Relations, UNHCR Bernard DOYLE, Head, Inter-Agency Unit, UNHCR Ed SCHENKENBERG, Coordinator, International Council of Voluntary Agencies 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH 14:00 – 15:45 THEMATIC SESSIONS | SÉANCES THÉMATIQUES (interpretation in English-French) Making it work: From policy to practice in urban settings

Pragmatisme : de la politique à la pratique en milieu urbain ...........................................................................................................................2

(for Partnership session only, interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish) Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships at local-national level

Partenariats : renforcer les partenariats aux niveaux local et national ................................................................................................3

Promoting the rights and protection of stateless persons: Issues, challenges and ways forward

Promouvoir les droits et la protection des apatrides : questions, défis et perspectives..................................................4 15:45 – 16:15 COFFEE BREAK 16:15 – 18:00 THEMATIC SESSIONS | SÉANCES THÉMATIQUES (interpretation in English-French) Making it work: From policy to practice in urban settings (continued)

Pragmatisme : de la politique à la pratique en milieu urbain ..........................................................................................................................2 (for Partnership session only, interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish) Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships at local-national level (continued)

Partenariats : renforcer les partenariats aux niveaux local et national ..............................................................................................3 Back to basics: Listening and acting on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse together

Retour aux fondamentaux : écouter et agir ensemble pour prévenir l’exploitation et les sévices sexuels .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

18:30 Reception | UNHCR Cafeteria, UNHCR main building (94, rue de Montbrillant)

Agenda ● UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs 5

Wednesday 30 June 2010 | International Conference Center ICCG

ROOM 09:00 – 10:45 REGIONAL SESSION | SÉANCE RÉGIONALE (interpretation in Arabic-English-French)

MENA Bureau ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 THEMATIC SESSION | SÉANCE THÉMATIQUE (interpretation in English-French)

Protecting all IDPs ● Protéger l’ensemble des déplacés internes.............................................................................................................3

10:45 – 11:15 COFFEE BREAK 11:15 – 13:00 REGIONAL SESSION | SÉANCE RÉGIONALE (interpretation in English-Russian)

Europe Bureau .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 THEMATIC SESSIONS | SÉANCES THÉMATIQUES (interpretation in English-French-Russian)

Protecting all IDPs (continued) ● Protéger l’ensemble des déplacés internes ..........................................................................3 (interpretation in English-French-Spanish) Working together: Strategies for protection from xenophobia, racism, intolerance and

bias-motivated violence Œuvrer ensemble : stratégies de protection contre la xénophobie, le racisme,

l’intolérance et la violence ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH 14:00 – 15:45 REGIONAL SESSION | SÉANCE RÉGIONALE (interpretation in English-Russian)

Asia Bureau...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 THEMATIC SESSION | SÉANCE THÉMATIQUE (interpretation in English-French) A harsh life in long-term exile – partnerships for overcoming vulnerabilities and empowering women –

Une vie difficile pendant un long exil – partenariats pour surmonter les fragilités et autonomiser les femmes....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

REGIONAL SESSION | SÉANCE RÉGIONALE (interpretation in English-Spanish)

Americas Bureau ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 15:45 – 16:15 COFFEE BREAK 16:15 – 18:00 REGIONAL SESSION | SÉANCE RÉGIONALE (interpretation in English-French)

Africa Bureau.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 THEMATIC SESSION | SÉANCE THÉMATIQUE (interpretation in English-French) A harsh life in long-term exile – partnerships for overcoming vulnerabilities and empowering women –

Une vie difficile pendant un long exil – partenariats pour surmonter les fragilités et autonomiser les femmes....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Thursday 1 July 2010 | Palais des Nations Geneva 10:00 – 11:00 PLENARY SESSION | SÉANCE PLÉNIÈRE ...............................................................................................................................................XIX (interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish) Report back on the NGO Consultations ● Rapport sur les consultations avec les ONG

Misikir TILAHUN, Rapporteur to the Annual Consultations with NGOs Melissa PITOTTI, Permanent Mission of the United States of America,

Rapporteur of the Executive Committee Daisy DELL, Director, Division of External Relations, UNHCR Catherine WALKER, Head, Secretariat and Inter-Agency Service, UNHCR Manisha THOMAS, Policy Officer, International Council of Voluntary Agencies Bernard DOYLE, Head, Inter-Agency Unit, UNHCR

11:00 – 13:00 CLOSING ADDRESS | DISCOURS DE CLÔTURE...........................................................................................................................XIX (interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish) António GUTERRES, High Commissioner for Refugees


Tuesday 29 June 2010 | International Conference Center ICCG 11h00 – 13h00 PLENARY SESSION (interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish) Room 2 Welcome and Opening Address Alexander ALEINIKOFF, Deputy High Commissioner Erika FELLER, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Mamadou NDIAYE, Office africain pour le développement et la coopération Daisy DELL, Director, Division of External Relations, UNHCR Bernard DOYLE, Head, Inter-Agency Unit, UNHCR Ed SCHENKENBERG, Coordinator, International Council of Voluntary Agencies 13h00 – 14h00 LUNCH 14h00 – 15h45 THEMATIC SESSIONS (interpretation in English-French)

Room 2 Making it work: From policy to practice in urban settings This session will examine good practices and successful programs that use a rights-based approach to

protect and assist asylum-seekers and refugees in urban settings. The goal of the session will be to identify models for enhance and innovative partnership between UNHCR and the NGO community in meeting refugee needs in urban areas.

Recommended readings prior to this session are: UNHCR policy statement on “Refugee Protection and Solutions in Urban Areas” (see http://www.unhcr.org/4ab356ab6.html) and the 2009 High Commissioner’s Dialogue on the theme of “Challenges for Persons of Concern in Urban Settings” (see http://www.unhcr.org/pages/4a12a4a26.html).

This session will consist of two short panel presentations in a plenary format each, followed by breakout sessions designed to enable participants to interact freely, exchange examples of good practice, and contribute recommendations on the implementation of UNHCR’s new urban refugee policy. The overarching approach of both the panels and the breakout sessions will be to highlight partnerships between local and international actors, including UNHCR, in addressing the needs of refugees in urban areas.

Rapporteurs will compile the recommendations made by participants in a ‘session summary’ that will be made available as a catalyst for future action and as a contribution to implementation of the UNHCR policy statement on urban refugees.

Panel One

Enhancing protection by addressing legal and human rights concerns Moderator: Loren LANDAU, Forced Migration Studies Programme, University of Witwatersrand Panelists: Laban OSORO, Kituo cha Sheria (Legal Advice Center) Taya HUNT, Jesuit Refugee Service José RIERA, Senior Adviser to the Director of the Division of International Protection, UNHCR

Panel Two Enhancing protection by re-envisioning assistance in urban settings Moderator: Mary JO BACA, International Medical Corps Panelists: Valentiana QUSSISIYA, Jordan River Foundation, Siti Mariam Nuzuriah, Church World Service/PURE Project Eva AHLÉN, Senior Education Officer, Division of International Protection, UNHCR

Annual Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations 29 – 30 June 2010 | International Conference Center Geneva, Switzerland 1 July 2010 | Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

Agenda |


http://www.unhcr.org/4ab356ab6.html

http://www.unhcr.org/pages/4a12a4a26.html

Room 3 Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships at local-national level (for Partnership session only, interpretation in Arabic English-French-Russian-Spanish)

UNHCR’s largest single group of implementing partners are national and local organisations. Around 79% of UNHCR partners are local/national organizations. For this reason, support to national partners and assistance with their capacity development is one of the priorities of UNHCR. Strengthening capacity is an essential element in preparedness for an effective response in times of peace and also in emergencies.

Aim of the session: The overall idea of this session is to examine ways to improve the effectiveness of partnership between

national partners and international organisations such as UNHCR. During the session, speakers on the panel will share their experiences and views on the challenges in

terms of capacity development and working together. There will be three breakout groups each of which will discuss different aspects of this issue and will

return for a final plenary discussion with concrete recommendations. Moderator: Mamadou NDIAYE, Office africain pour le développement et la coopération Speaker(s): Hawa Adan MOHAMED, Galkayo Education Centre for Peace and Development Abdul Muneim Ahmmed HASAN, United Foundation for Relief and Abiding Development Philippe GUITON, World Vision International Cagatay DEMIROZ, External Relations Officer, Inter-Agency Unit, UNHCR Bernard DOYLE, Head, Inter-Agency Unit, UNHCR Janet LIM, Assistant High Commissioner Operations will respond to the discussion.

Room 4 Promoting the rights and protection of stateless persons: Issues, challenges and ways forward

This session focuses on how civil society and UNHCR can promote the rights and protection of stateless persons around the world. In the first part of the panel, speakers discuss some of the practical challenges involved in addressing statelessness at multiple levels of engagement: from community organizing amongst stateless populations, to research and policy advocacy, to creating commitment in the international community for the prevention and reduction of statelessness.

Speakers will reflect on the types of concrete actions that can be taken at the national, regional, and international levels as well as share perspectives on how statelessness can be integrated into policy discussions around citizenship, asylum, migration and human rights. In the second part of the panel, participants are invited to share their own experiences and to make practical recommendations for how civil society and UNHCR can advance the rights and protection of stateless persons more effectively, in particular in the context of the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Moderator: Alice NAH, National Human Rights Society, Hakam Speaker(s): Gábor GYULAI, Hungarian Helsinki Committee Nanthini RAMALO, Education and Research Association for Consumers Mark MANLY, Head, Statelessness Unit, UNHCR 15h45 – 16h15 COFFEE BREAK 16h15 – 18h00 THEMATIC SESSIONS (interpretation in English-French) Room 2 Making it work: From policy to practice in urban settings (continued) The session continues. Room 3 Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships at local-national level (continued) (for Partnership session only, interpretation in Arabic English-French-Russian-Spanish) The session continues.



Room 4 Back to basics: Listening and acting on preventing sexual exploitation and

ca to cy N

NHCR and NGOs worked closely together to develop the Building Safer Organizations' d by the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) and then later by

s s to in ed

look at where the humanitarian t report found that, while

bility and leadership. substantive . The report

take seriously, as well as des both UN and non-UN

revent SEA by their PSEA, but will

look at practical ways in which NGOs and UNHCR can work to better protect populations from SEA.

ir: Speaker(s): tant on IASC Prevention Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

18h30- 20h00

abuse together Since the 2002 UNHCR/Save the Children report on sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in West Afri

by humanitarian aid workers of refugees and other vulnerable populations, much work has been done better protect populations from SEA. There was much work done in the context of the Inter-AgenStanding Committee (IASC) on prevention from SEA (PSEA) before the issue was moved to the Uonly bodies. Uproject, originally housethe Humanitarian Accountability Partnership International (HAP), which worked to develop complaints and response mechanisms for beneficiaries and the investigative capacity of humanitarian organizationto follow up on allegations of SEA by their staff. Over the years, however, the focus on PSEA seemhave diminished. There have been mixed messages about PSEA, with the result that it is often mixedwith gender based violence (GBV). PSEA by aid workers is a gross breach of accountability to affectpopulations. In 2009, the IASC agreed to a stock-taking and needs analysis to community is with regards to PSEA and to suggest ways forward. The drafmuch progress has been made, it is inadequate, particularly in terms of accountaThe review found that, at a policy and guidance level, organizations, in general, have made

this guidance at the field level must increaseprogress, but that acceptance and absorption ofrecommends a number of ways forward that NGOs and UNHCR should

o the IASC, which inclusuggesting that the issue of PSEA be brought back thumanitarian agencies. Humanitarian organizations have a direct responsibility to pstaff. This panel will not only provide an overview of some of the efforts made to date on

Cha Katharina SAMARA, Humanitarian Accountability Partnership International

Moira REDDICK, Consul Philipe KARANI, Senior Liaison Officer, UNHCR

RECEPTION – UNHCR Caféteria, UNHCR main building (94, rue de Montbrillant)

Wednesday 30 June 2010 | International Conference Center ICCG

09h00 – 10h45

REGIONAL SESSION (interpretation in Arabic-English-French)

Room 2

oting the establishment of national legal frameworks and responsive asylum systems

Chair: Moderator: Speaker(s):

MENA Bureau The MENA region generates and hosts a considerable number of refugees and displaced persons. Despite the harsh effect of the global financial crisis on the already fragile economies of the host countries, efforts were made to absorb these populations. As such, UNHCR strategy focuses on the provision of protection and basic humanitarian assistance, including self-reliance opportunities to refugees and others of concern, while searching for durable solutions. The discussions will be geared towards strengthening partnership with relevant government and civil society institutions as well national and international NGOs with a view to enlarge the protection space through prom

Barges AL-BARGES, Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society Jala AL-JAZARI, Syrian Women Union Radhouane NOUICER, Director Ursula ABOUBACAR, Deputy Director

THEMATIC SESSION

Room 3 In many situations, IDPs are often “invisible” to international agencies, either by choice or as a result of

not developed sufficient and locate IDPs, and

c needs and vulnerabilities of each group whilst also taking into account the situation of host populations. The aim of the session is to discuss the specific challenges of identifying IDPs as the majority are

nd assistance to IDPs outside camps, including to groups with special vulnerabilities and needs. Partnerships, especially international – national, and UN – NGOs / CBOs will be given special consideration throughout the session.

Moderator: Loren LANDAU, Forced Migration Studies Programme, University of Witwatersrand Speaker(s): Laban OSORO, Kituo cha Sheria (Legal Advice Center) Marzia MONTEMURRO, IDMC, Norwegian Refugee Council Kathrine STARUP, Danish Refugee Council Josep ZAPATER, Senior Protection Officer, Division of International Protection, UNHCR Working Group Facilitator(s): Leonard ZULU, Senior Protection Officer, Division of International Protection, UNHCR Christophe BEAU, IDMC, Norwegian Refugee Council Claus LARSEN, Danish Refugee Council Speaker(s): Hawa Adan MOHAMED, Galkayo Education Center for Peace and Development Munyaradzi CHAUMBA, Caritas Zimbabwe Svetlana GANNUSHKINA, Memorial Human Rights Centre 10h45 – 11h15 COFFEE BREAK

Protecting all IDPs (interpretation in English-French-Russian)

particular type of displacement for which humanitarian organizations have expertise. In these cases, it is challenging for UNHCR and NGOs to identify develop interventions, which respond to the specifi


outside camps, to make concrete recommendations on how to provide effective protection a


11h15 – 13h00 REGIONAL SESSION (interpretation in English-Russian)

Room 2 Europe Bureau Partnerships for refugee protection: Preservi

Europe ng and expanding asylum space in

, including asylum space, is under strain in many parts of the world. Europe is no

on is asylum. There are also large numbers of stateless

e Consultations it will not be possible to discuss all these issues. As IDPs and stateless persons, as well as on combating

xenophobia, it is proposed to focus the discussion with NGO partners on how we can strengthen our partnership to preserve and expand refugee protection space across Europe. UNHCR and Human Rights

topic before opening the floor to discussion. It is suggested to focus the territory, quality of asylum systems, and expanding prospects for durable

Moderator: Speaker(s):

Humanitarian spaceexception. In some countries in Europe, internal displacement continues to be a major challenge, with internally displaced persons facing limited prospects for durable solutions. In the European Union, efforts continue to build a Common European Asylum System, but there is still a large gap between law and practice and there is little political will to raise standards further. Access to the EU and to the territory of other countries for persons seeking protection becomes ever more difficult.

In the Western Balkans, efforts to put an end to the protracted displacement situation continue. At the same time, the region is coming under growing pressure from migratory flows, including persons who are seeking and may be in need of international protection. Investment in building protection capacity in countries of Eastern Europe has borne fruit in some countries but not in others. Overall the regiwitnessing a worrying ‘slow onset’ deterioration of

statelessness. people in Europe, as well as individuals at risk of In the limited time available at th

separate thematic sessions are foreseen on

Watch will introduce thisdiscussion on access to solutions, including integration and resettlement.

Walter BRILL, International Catholic Migration Commission Judith KUMIN, Director Bill FRELICK, Human Rights Watch

THEMATIC SESSIONS

Room 3

Protecting all IDPs (continued) (interpretation in English-French-Russian) The session continues.

Room 4 h)

ss strategies for improving protection d persons who are affected by

nel's topic – verarching

Annual NGO Consultations, as efforts to mitigate xenophobia, racism, intolerance and , civil society,

nd regional organizations. dards, existing efforts to combat these challenges, models

ols and best practices efforts. Written resources that may assist groups as they

e shared, including UNHCR’s December 2009 Strategy Note on Combating Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance Through a Strategic Approach. The discussion will also highlight areas for greater collaboration as well

be taken towards a more comprehensive approach. The panel will help spark a discussion on existing gaps, recommendations for addressing those gaps, as well as roles that can and should be played by states, UNHCR, civil society and other stakeholders. Participants are encouraged to identify concrete recommendations for cooperation in this field.

In addition to the panelists, the following persons will participate in the discussions and be ready to share their experiences. Duncan Breen, The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) and Mactar Ndoye, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Working together: Strategies for protection from xenophobia, racism, rpretation in English-French-Spanisintolerance and bias-motivated violence (inte

This session will provide an opportunity for participants to disculess and internally displacefor refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees state

xenophobia, racism, racial discrimination, intolerance, and bias-motivated violence. The pafocused on collaborative action and strengthening national partnerships – complements the otheme of the 2010bias-related violence require the development of collaborative actions involving StatesUNHCR, and other stakeholders, including international a

The discussion will address human rights stanfor effective national partnerships and civil society engagement with States, and toto strengthen NGO advocacy and assistance develop or revise plans to address these challenges will also b

as steps that should

Moderator: Tad STAHNKE, Human Rights First Speaker( Luz Marina BECERR Githu MUIGAI, UN Speci

s): A, Association for Displaced Afro-Colombians al Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,

MOOFE, Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE-ODIHR)

13h00 – 14h00

5h45

xenophobia and related intolerance Larry OLO

Voker TURK, Director, Division of International Protection, UNHCR

LUNCH

14h00 – 1 REGIONAL SESSION (interpretation in English-Russian)

Room 2

During the session, the Director of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific will provide an overview of the above s, to be followed by presentations from

The session aims to shape concrete recommendations on the best approach to

Moderator: Steven MUNCY, Community and Family Services International

Asia Bureau New challenges and stronger partnerships in the Asia-Pacific Building new and innovative partnerships constitutes an important way forward towards overcoming some of the key challenges that UNHCR continues to face in the provision of protection and assistance to refugees and other persons of concern in the Asia-Pacific region.

Foremost among those are issues particularly related to the shrinking of humanitarian space in general, including the erosion of protection and asylum space. Working in high risk security environment is a reality in several operations requiring a new approach in partnership and reaching out to beneficiary communities. Furthermore, and taking into consideration that the region is particularly prone to natural disasters, the Consultations provide an excellent opportunity to examine partnerships also in the context of building protection capacity in natural disaster situations.

challenges which are among UNHCR’s key regional prioritieselected national NGOs. partnerships in the above areas.

Speaker(s): Kasidis ROCHANAKORN, Director Shakir ISHAQ, Basic Education for Afghan Refugees (BEFARE)

ouncil Malaysia Andrew KHOO, Bar C THEMATIC SESSION (interpretation in English-French)

Room 3 A harsh life in long-term exile – partnerships for overcoming vulnerabilities and empowering women During the first part of the session, participants will be updated by UNHCR on the follow up to the 2008 High Commissioner Dialogue on Protection Challenges concerning protracted refugee situations (PRS). The second part of the session will focus mainly on the situations of women in protracted situations. Presenters will frame the two subjects for discussion – violence against women in PRS and livelihoods - by presenting four case studies on their practical experience and on example of effec

tive partnerships at

Moderator: Speaker: Moderator:

Speaker(s):

national and local level. Participants will be then divided into two break-out sessions with the aim of mapping examples of effective partnerships and of elaborating recommendations for effective partnerships, which help to improve the situation of women. The sessions will look specifically at the protracted situations of refugee women in camp settings.

Karin KEIL, Caritas Austria Jean-François DURIEUX, Director, Division of Programme Support and Management, UNHCR

Working Group Daisy FRANCIS, Catholic Relief Services


Lucy KIAMA, Refugee Consortium of Kenya Mungreiphy SHIMRAY, Caritas India

Leonie DOCHAMOU, Caritas Benin Najla CHAHDA, Caritas Lebanon


Room 4 REGIONAL SESSION (interpretation in English-Spanish) Americas Bureau

Protection in mixed migrator y movements: Importance of national partnerships onference

h national NGOs.

Emilio CHÁVEZ, Sin Fronteras REZ, Director

Agostino MULAS, Senior Desk Officer Protection Officer

5

16h15 – 18h00

The Bureau will provide a summary of the main recommendations further to the San Jose Cand will point out the importance of all partnerships including those wit

Moderator: Speaker(s): Marta JUA Davide TORZILLI, Senior 5h45 – 16h1 COFFEE BREA1 K

REGIONAL SESSION (interpretation in English-Spanish)

Room 2

plement this ground breaking instrument. NGO participants regarding sexual and

h continues to terrorize people of concern of UNHCR and its s on process and procedures to

ring against impunity.

Moderator: Mark LEVERI, Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service

ector

Africa Bureau The Africa Regional Session will allow for an open exchange between the NGO participants and the

Director of the Africa Bureau and his management team. The Director will make an opening statement that will provide an overview of plans for UNHCR’s operations on the continent next year, while also focusing key areas where the Bureau hopes to engage with NGO implementing partners in strengthening our programmes, including realizing the potential of results-based management, including use of Focus, and financial due diligence and accountability.

During the session, the Director of the Bureau will also highlight the importance of the African Union Kampala Convention on the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa adopted last year, and the crucial role that NGOs and other civil society actors can play in encouraging governments to sign, ratify and im

The Africa Bureau would also look forward to an exchange with gender-based violence (SGBV), whicpartners, including how to move forward more decisively from a focudelivering services to survivors and ensu

Speaker(s): George OKOTH-OBBO, Director Marie-Christine BOCOUM, Deputy Director Steven CORLISS, Deputy Director

Raouf MAZOU, Deputy Dir

THEMATIC SESSION (interpretation in English-French)

R A harsh life in long-term exile – partnerships for overcoming vulnerabilities and empowering women (continued) The session continues.

oom 3

T 1 July 2010hursday | Palais des Nations Geneva

10h00 –11h00

PLENARY SESSION (interpretation in Arabic-English-French-Russian-Spanish) Room

o the Annual Consultations with NGOs the United States of America,

tions, UNHCR Catherine WALKER, Head, Secretariat and Inter-Agency Service, UNHCR

Policy Officer, International Council of Voluntary Agencies d, Inter-Agency Unit, UNHCR

c-English-French-Russian-Spanish)

XIX Report back on the NGO Consultationsrteur t Misikir TILAHUN, Rappo

Melissa PITOTTI, Permanent Mission ofRapporteur of the Executive Committee Daisy DELL, Director, Division of External Rela

Manisha THOMAS,

Bernard DOYLE, Hea

0 PLENARY SESSION (interpretation in Arabi11h00 – 13h0 Room XIX Closing Addres s by


António GUTERRES, High Commissioner for Refugees


2010

h00 ● Room 3

ion, UNHCR mmissioner for Human Rights

Grant MITCHELL, International Detention Coalition

ov increasingly using detention as a migration management tool, with falling below international standards and that

deny basic rights. Where a government intends to detain a person for immigration-related reasons, it should first consider and pursue alternatives before detention, in compliance with international and regional human rights standards. While many governments fail to utilize alternatives to detention or focus on restrictive or intrusive options, or on different forms of detention, some governments are implementing alternatives with success. This includes community-based alternatives to detention that ensure the rights, dignity and well being of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Expectation: This session follows the side meeting on Alternatives to Detention held during the 2009 UNHCR Executive Committee of the High Commissioner (EXCOM) attended by 30 governments, and meetings held during the 12th and 13th Sessions of the Human Rights Council. The panel discussion aims to update participants on the current alternative to detention (ATD) trends, research initiatives and the range of positive ATD developments in the past year. Individuals and groups are invited to share experiences of examples of alternatives to detention, good practice and lessons learned.

The meeting will assist both current ATD research projects, inform participants of developments, help shape the upcoming EXCOM side meeting and UNHCR Global ATD Roundtable, discuss developments at the Human Rights Council and relevant work of OHCHR, and to explore international, regional and national advocacy opportunities, challenges and priorities.

13h00 – 14h00 ● Room 4

The Sphere Project: Achievements and ways forward Mary PICARD, Consultant, Co-author of revised Humanitarian Charter

Roland SCHLOTT, Lutheran World Federation Aninia NADIG, The Sphere Project

This session will provide a brief general introduction to the Sphere Project and its activities – both at the Project office in Geneva, and presenting an example of the institutionalization and practical application of Sphere by an NGO. We will then discuss specific aspects of the current Handbook revision process, focusing in particular on the revised Humanitarian Charter, the corner stone of the Sphere Handbook. It spells out the core legal and moral principles that govern humanitarian action and asserts the right of populations to protection and assistance. Sphere is based upon these core values. Given its importance, it will also be a stand-alone document. Other Handbook chapters can be discussed during the side event, at the request of participants. The Sphere Project is an initiative by NGOs and the Red-Cross – Red-Crescent movement and contributes to improving the quality and accountability in humanitarian response. Its Handbook collects a set of broadly agreed-upon minimum standards in disaster response.

Annual Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations 29 – 30 June 2010 | International Conference Center Geneva, Switzerland , Switzerland

1 July 2010 | Palais des Nations, Geneva

Tuesday 29 JuneInternational Conference Center Geneva (ICCG)

13h00 – 14

Alternatives to immigration detention

sion of International ProtectJane RASMUSSEN, Senior Legal Officer, Asylum Migration, DiviPia OBEROI, United Nations Office of the High Co

Alice EDWARDS, Oxford Refugee Studies Centre

Background: G ernments around the world arehundreds of thousands of men, women and children detained in conditions

Agenda |of side meetings |

13h00 – 14h00 ● Room 5 (3rd floor)

From the margins to the centre: Realizing the rights of Refugee Women and Girls

A Meeting of the International Working Group to monitor the implementation of the ExCom Conclusion on Women and Girls at Risk

Luisa CREM S, UNHCR Dale BU sion

Salwa ALHAG, efugee Women Melika Yassin SHEIKH-ELDIN, Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES)

The pan n work and to recog will be reviewed and some of t s to protection, safe livelihoods and gender equality will ences of advocating for the rights of refugee women during various stages

Asia Region ● Room 6 ● 3rd floor Europe Region ● Room 19 ● 3rd floor MENA floor

These informal meetings a her NGOs working in the same region/country as you eparation for the Regional Sessions. One room has

Michael KAGAN, Asylum Access

in providing adequate resources for its SD operations. NGOs have generally welcomed the changes that UNHCR has made, but have continuing concerns about some UNHCR RSD policies and about the pace of

plementation. The panel will give an overview of recent d velopments and current challenges in UNHCR RSD reform, nd will open the floor to wider discussion about UNHCR’s mandate RSD activities.

Lind les ONESE, Senior Coordinator Women and Gender, CDGEC

a BARTOLOMEI, University of New South Wa

SCHER, Women’s Refugee CommisAustralian National Committee on R

el will discuss our ongoing efforts to bring the concerns of refugee women and girls to the centre of protectio

nize re s. Progress fugee women and girls as key agents of social change within their communitiehe ongoin en and girlg challenges in fighting for the rights of refugee wom

ri be discussed. Refugee women will share their expe of the refugee journe y.

During this session, UNHCR will present a new tool to raise awareness on the rights of displaced women and facilitate the understanding of women rights and how to work them at field level. This tool is composed by four short movies and a companion guide, which helps to identify the rights of women and the corresponding actions taken by UNHCR to protect them.

Wednesday 30 June 2010 International Conference Center Geneva (ICCG)

8h00 – 9h00 ● Regional Informal Meetings

Africa Region ● Room 5 ● 3rd floor

Americas Region ● Room 12 ● 2nd floor

Region ● Room 20 ● 3rd

re set up to encourage your organization to meet participants from otr organization to exchange information and share views and ideas in pr

been allocated per region. Coffee will be available.

13h00 – 14h00 ● Room 3

UNHCR’s mandate status determination (RSD) procedures: Progress and current challenges Suzanne DUFF, Senior Legal Officer, RSD Unit, Division of International Protection, UNHCR

Rachel LEVITAN, Helsinki Citizens Assembly Turkey

In recent years, UNHCR has introduced new standards, training programmes and pilot projects to improve the way it conducts refugee status determination (RSD) in dozens of countries around the world. At the same time, UNHCR faces continuing challenges R

ima

e



13h00 – 14h00 ● Room 4

Advocac islation

Sarah PET migrants

This side session focuses n in Asia. This is of particular importanc often non-existent. Speakers will discuss the efforts made by national civil society groups and lawyers in using existing legislation to protect

y for the Rights of Refugees through Domestic Leg

Anoop SUKUMARAN, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum Asia) Gopal KRISHNA, INHURED International

RIN WILLIAMSON, US Committee for Refugees and ImYoungah PARK, Korean Public Interest Lawyer’s Group, GONGGAM

on the protection of the rights of refugees through domestic legislatio

e in non-Convention signatory countries, where specific legislation on refugees is

asylum seekers, refugees and stateless persons, as well as in proposing additional legislation to strengthen the rights of refugees in different countries in Asia. Through the presentations and ensuing discussion, we hope to explore identify areas of concerns and challenges while advocating for domestic law as well as to examine potential areas for civil society collaboration, action and advocacy across borders.

Thursday 1 July 2010

Next steps for supporting strong partnerships to address SGBV in displaced settings

ceted problem and for harnessing a unified, multi-sectoral response. Specifically, it outlines a set of institutional and programmatic focus areas to guide UNHCR's strategic direction over the next five years. It highlights steps needed to institutionalize SGBV as a core protection concern within UNHCR, enhance leadership and accountability on this issue, promote collaborative partnerships, build knowledge, and enhance data collection. Finally, the document directs attention to strategic priorities for SGBV programming. The purpose of this side meeting is to provide UNHCR with an opportunity to share and review this strategy with the NGO community and to allow for a joint discussion between UNHCR and NGOs on critical next steps for its full implementation. Discussion will focus on what is needed to ensure that implementation efforts result in effective partnerships that bring concrete and tangible improvements to the protection of displaced women and girls in displacement settings.

9h00 – 10h00 ● Room XXIII

Promoting Resettlement in Europe - Partnership with NGOs George JOSEPH, Caritas

Vincent COCHETEL, Deputy Director, Comprehensive Solutions, Division of International Protection, UNHCR Martin WATSON, European Council on Refugees and Exiles

The aim of the session is to promote awareness on the importance of partnerships between international and local/national organisations in resettling refugees and to mobilise partners to advocate for a (higher) resettlement quota in more European countries. The specific objective is to share approaches and tools to influence targeted national policy makers and politicians who determine the number of places allocated to resettlement. Panellists will present the advantages of tripartite consultation and cooperation in designing and implementing resettlement operations and programmes in Europe. Based on lobbying experience with governmental agencies, panellists will analyse what has worked in the past, and why it was successful. The side-event intends to focus on areas where more involvement could be envisaged through the promotion of tripartite consultations on a national level. The session should also incite a discussion on how trust between the partners can be established in order to initiate or strengthen operational cooperation in resettlement operations. The expected outcome is an increased level of awareness and knowledge of current resettlement activities as well as clear ideas on areas where resettlement cooperation can be enhanced.

Palais des Nations Geneva

9h00 – 10h00 ● Room XXII

From strategy to action:


Heidi LEHMANN, International Rescue Committee Volker TURK, Director, Division of International Protection, UNHCR

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is one of the most urgent, grave and pervasive problems facing displaced women and girls around the world. To address this issue, UNHCR has developed a five-year (2010-2015) strategy that will improve the Organization's ability to work in partnership to prevent and respond to SGBV. This document provides a framework for confronting this complex, multi-fa


A hearing on Boat People: D eds and rights to protection

Alice CHARBONNEAU- c Migration Commission Anja KLUG, Head, Asylum onal Protection, UNHCR

Houssam MU’ALLEM, International Federatio of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society tbc Representatives of IOM and UN Office on D uman Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling

Brief description: What are the ne s be differentiated and matched to rights and practical respon r Yemen from Africa; in

e US from Haiti; in vari anka, or following other

13h15 – 14h45 ● Room XXII

ifferent peopl , different neeBLOOMFIELD, International Catholi/Migration Team, Division of Internati

nrugs and Crime (UNODC) Anti-H

Unit tbc

eds of today’s boat people—and how can these needses of protection and assistance—among boat people arriving in Europe oous parts of south and southeast Asia and Australia from Burma or Sri Lth

sea crossings? This session is organized as a hearing, not a series of presentations. It will begin with a brief introduction of the importance of differentiating needs and rights to protection and assistance among all the people arriving, (i.e., refugees, victims of human trafficking and smuggling, victims of torture, children, etc.) Conclusions from an experts roundtable in Tunis last year will then be offered as a reference, which participants will be invited to comment upon and at the end of the session, consider supporting. During the bulk of the session however, panelists from UNHCR, IOM, IFRC and UNODC will serve as a hearing board: listening, probing and recording the experience, concrete practices and recommendations of NGO participants who respond to boat people, either in Europe or in other parts of the world. Input will then be organized and submitted to the international organizations and to government policy makers, including the European Union and Council of Europe through the new EU-funded NGO partnership “DRIVE” (Differentiation for Refugee Identification and Vulnerability Evaluation).

13h15 – 14h45 ● Room XXIII

Count me ction tool Volker TURK, Director, Division o ernational Protection, UNHCR

Although a child’s right to an i 989), it is estimated that over

e current situation regarding birth registration of persons of oncern to UNHCR, outline protection challenges and risks for undocumented children. The working groups will address

the challenges of birth registration and some practices that have been developed to address them. The side event will end with a summary of the debate and recommendations on how to move this subject forward. Sandwiches and drinks will be served 13.00.

in: Birth Registration – a protef Int

Simon HEAP, Plan International Denise A national LLEN, World Vision Inter

Maha MUNA, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

dentity is set out in the Conven ion on the Rights of the Child (1t51 million of children every year are not registered at birth. Millions of refugee, displaced and stateless children are denied the right to registration at birth and to an identity. The goal of 100% birth registration for children who fall under UNHCR’s mandate continues to be a challenge in many parts of the world due to legal, administrative, political, and cultural obstacles. UNHCR estimates that only 46% of newborn refugees in camps are issued birth certificates and 59% of refugees in urban areas. As NGOs have similar concerns regarding low birth registration rates and the protection of refugee and stateless children, we welcome that birth registration has been suggested as a potential theme for an ExCom conclusion. A specific interactive side-event has been set up to:

• Raise awareness on the policy and operational challenges for birth registration • Identify gaps at policy and operational levels • Identify existing experiences and practices that address some of these challenges.

xpert’s speakers will provide background and information on thE

c

Published by:

UNHCRP.O. Box 25001211 Geneva 2 Switzerland

www.unhcr.org

For information and inquiries, please contact:

Inter-Agency [email protected]

Programme of Annual Consultationswith Non-Governmental Organizations

29 June - 1st July 2010CICG | Palais des Nations • Geneva, Switzerland

providers of first resort - unhcr...loren landau, forced migration studies programme, university of...

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